Hunters and Foxes

bed chem

"Why didn't you show up last time? This is the fifth time you've rejected a blind date just this year."

"Eomma, I told you to stop setting me up for blind dates," Suyeoun protested, throwing her pillow aside, then ran her fingers through her hair, half expecting her mother to barge in.

"Forget it. Just come out. Lunch is ready." She could practically feel her mother's sigh.

Sighing again, Suyeoun swung her legs over the side of her bed, her hair still mussed from her morning rest, and glanced at her phone on the nightstand. Just as she was about to make her way out, the familiar tone of her phone ringing stopped her in her tracks. She glanced at the caller ID and smiled softly; it was Kim Yoojin, her best friend.

"Suyeoun-ah! Are you busy?" Yoojin's voice came through, bright and slightly out of breath, as if she'd been rushing somewhere.

"Not really, unnie. Why?" Suyeoun leaned back, her shoulders relaxing as she settled in for what would likely be a long conversation.

"Wait, did you just wake up? Oh my, did I wake you up?" Yoojin's tone was immediately concerned, and Suyeoun could imagine her friend's furrowed brow, her signature look whenever she was worried.

"Aniyo, unnie. I was already up right before you called."

"Oh, arasseo," Yoojin said, the relief evident in her voice. "I just called because I need some extra help." A hint of pleading laced her tone, and Suyeoun had to suppress a laugh, already suspecting where this was headed.

"What is it?" she asked, feigning ignorance, though the anticipation brought a grin to her face.

"Well, Taeyoung oppa is really busy right now, and—"

"—and I have to fetch Lorin from school?" Suyeoun finished, her grin widening as she imagined the sheepish smile likely forming on Yoojin's face.

"Can you?" Yoojin asked. "I'll make it up to you. I promise."

"Oh, you don't have to do that," Suyeoun replied, her voice softening at the thought of Lorin, Yoojin's precious daughter, who she doted on as if she were her own niece. "Besides, I also miss my little fairy."

"Alright, then. Her class finishes at three PM. I'll just pick her up later at your house, okay?"

"Ne," Suyeoun replied with a small laugh.

"Komawo, Suyeoun-ah."

The call ended with a small click, and Suyeoun put her phone down, stretching her arms over her head as she rose to leave her room. "Good morning, uri gongju-nim," Suyeoun cooed, kneeling down to give Hotteok who wagged her tail excitedly at the sight of her. Hotteok leaned into her touch, her fluffy tail wagging as she nuzzled closer.

"It's already noon!" her mother called out from the kitchen.

Suyeoun chuckled, standing and glancing over her mother's direction. "Where's Dad?" she asked casually as she filled a glass of water, taking a few sips to fully wake herself up.

"Outside," her mother replied, barely pausing from her task.

"How about Seongmoon? Seongkyung?"

"School. Went out with her friends," Mrs. Park answered, her voice brisk, each answer clipped as she continued wiping down the countertops.

Nodding, Suyeoun took another sip of water before placing her glass down. "I'll be going out later too. I have to fetch Lorin from school."

Her mother turned, a surprised yet intrigued look in her eyes. "Oh? Lorin? Will you bring her here too?"